Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has criticized Norway’s decision to revoke the export license for a naval missile system intended for Malaysia’s Navy, warning that the move could undermine confidence in European defense suppliers. The dispute centers on the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system and launcher components originally contracted for Malaysia’s littoral combat ship program.

Anwar conveyed Malaysia’s “vehement objection” during a recent phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, emphasizing that Malaysia has fully complied with all contractual obligations since the agreement’s inception in 2018. According to Anwar, Malaysia has acted “scrupulously, faithfully and without equivocation,” while Norway has shown little reciprocity in good faith.

The Norwegian defense contractor Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS clarified that decisions regarding export licenses are the sole responsibility of Norwegian authorities. To date, the Norwegian government has not formally commented on the license revocation or Anwar’s response.

Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin told local media outlets that nearly 95% of the contract value had been paid prior to the March blockade of the missile system’s delivery. The NSM system was intended to enhance Malaysia’s naval capabilities as part of its ongoing modernization plan for its new class of littoral combat ships.

Anwar warned that Norway’s intervention risks impeding Malaysia’s operational readiness and could have wider implications for regional security dynamics. He expressed concerns about the reliability of European defense suppliers, questioning the integrity of contracts if they can be unilaterally reversed. “Signed contracts are solemn instruments. They are not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner,” Anwar stated. He further underscored that the strategic value of European defense partners would diminish if such reversals become permissible without consequence.

In response to the blockade, Defense Minister Khaled indicated that Malaysia is currently reviewing legal avenues and considering compensation claims related to the canceled missile deliveries. The dispute highlights tensions in defense procurement and export licensing, with potential ramifications for future cooperation between Malaysia and European defense industries.